This is how a circus family celebrates Christmas

Created: 12/24/2021, 09:05 AM

From: Laura Forster

After the last circus performance (from left) Ricardo, Kevin and Dominique Montelli spend Christmas Eve together with baby Tiara Letizia in their Christmas caravan.

© Andrea Jaksch

Instead of decorating the Christmas tree with the family and preparing the festive dinner, the Montelli couple stands in the ring of their little traveling circus in Berg on Christmas Eve and performs the current program.

The holidays are still very special for the family this year.

Berg - Kevin Montelli looks dreamily at the baby sleeping in his arms. His daughter Tiana Letizia is eight weeks old, she is the ninth generation of the Montelli circus family. “This Christmas will be indescribable. It's the first time that we're celebrating it as a family, ”says the fire eater and artist. Before the contemplative get-together starts on the evening of the 24th, however, the Montellis have to work at full speed. At 2 p.m. Kevin, his wife Dominique and nephew Ricardo Montelli give a performance in the ring.

"For us, too, Christmas is a celebration of love and family," says Dominique Montelli, whose circus is currently performing in Berg.

“We just usually celebrate it in a different place.” From an early age, the 36-year-old has been traveling with her caravan through Central Europe and showing the audience her skills on a rope or in the air - first with her parents, and since 2015 with her Man kevin.

“I went to a different school every week.” The 30-year-old was also born into a circus family.

"The holidays were always magical for me and my eight siblings."

Despite work stress, Dominique Montelli still finds time to decorate her rolling home.

© Andrea Jaksch

Although the small family gives three performances over Christmas, they too celebrate some traditions. “I get up very early in the morning and prepare the meal,” says Dominique Montelli. “There is classic goose with dumplings and red cabbage.” In the caravan kitchen, cooking such an elaborate dish is sometimes a little more difficult because the space is very limited, but Montelli is practiced. “I don't know any other way,” she says. And the Christmas tree decorations are also inevitable. The big Christmas tree in the awning of the circus has been decorated for a few weeks, but his little brother, who is standing in a corner of the caravan, does not make Dominique Montelli look pretty until December 23, and he hangs white and pink balls on it. “Unfortunately, on Christmas Eve, as is tradition, I don't have time for it.“In general, the 36-year-old tries to bring some Christmas spirit into the rolling home with fairy lights, small figures and an Advent wreath. "I love to decorate."

Christmas in the arena - the Christmas tree creates a Christmas spirit

The two circus artists used to be used to spending the holidays with their large family - this year there are only four of them: Kevin, Dominique, Ricardo and daughter Tiana Letizia Montelli.

“Unfortunately, our families are very scattered.

My in-laws are currently visiting Stuttgart, my parents in Austria, ”says Dominique Montelli.

The extended families are also in contact on the holidays via Skype or video call.

Dominique Montelli is particularly pleased that she can perform again with her little circus shortly before Christmas.

“The last year and a half have really not been easy,” she says.

“The pandemic caught us - like everyone else - in March 2020, at that time we were also in Berg.” Although the 2G plus rule currently applies to the audience, and only a fraction of the 150 spaces in the tent can be occupied, nevertheless Kevin Montelli is happy to finally put a smile on the faces of his guests again.

An extra portion of food: Christmas should also be a special time for the animals.

© Andrea Jaksch

In addition to the circus performers, the Christmas season is also a very special one for the animals.

“You are part of the family for us.

The first course goes to them in the morning, the last in the evening, ”says Dominique Montelli.

Although the 36-year-old does not put presents in front of the boxes for the llamas, ponies and donkeys, each animal receives an extra portion of food.

“My father used to tell us children that the animals could talk at noon on Christmas,” says Montelli.

“That's a nice idea.” Lf